Activities like walking your dog or going to the vet are easier if you train your dog to use the leash correctly. With proper leash training, you will be in control and able to handle your dog in any situation.
Leash training should begin as soon as you bring a new puppy home. Dogs vary in the amount of time it will take to train them to use a leash. Some dogs will learn in a couple of days, others may take one to two weeks. Remember that consistency is the key.
Familiarize yourself with the dog collar
The first step is to put a dog collar on your pup so he can get acquainted with how he feels. The necklace should be loose enough that it doesn’t choke you, but not so loose that it can go over your head. The collar should be the correct size if your thumb can comfortably fit between your dog’s coat and the collar.
Put a collar on your puppy as soon as you bring him home. You may find it easier to do this when your puppy is playing or eating, as he will be distracted. Your puppy’s initial response will be to remove the collar. He will try to do this by scratching or rolling it. You should not remove the necklace when he is trying to remove it. Wait until your dog is no longer paying attention to the collar before removing it. Within a day or two, your pup will start to get comfortable with his new collar.
the dog leash
When your puppy is comfortable with the collar, you can familiarize him with the leash. This is done by letting your dog move freely on a leash attached to his collar. He should wear a light leash at first. Don’t leave your dog unattended on a leash because the leash can catch on something and catch your pup. If your pup gets tangled up and you are close to him, you can release him so he can continue playing.
It may take a day or two before your puppy gets used to the leash. The next stage of training can begin as soon as your puppy is comfortable on his leash.
Dog Leash Training – Walking
Walking beside you on a leash is the next step in your leash training program. This step can be started at home where there are fewer distractions. Your leash should be long enough that you can keep it loose so it doesn’t pull on your dog. Your puppy must be able to walk freely.
Stop walking immediately if your puppy pulls on the leash. His leash-pulling behavior will be helped if he doesn’t stop. He calls your dog to you, but don’t yank on his leash. Praise him when he comes and then start walking again. If your dog pulls on the leash again, stop and repeat the process. Your pup needs to learn that he won’t get very far if he pulls on the leash. Repeat this process until your dog understands what is expected. Consistency is the important thing.
It may take several walks before you realize that your dog is no longer pulling on the leash. It is important that you praise your dog when he performs a task correctly. Be sure to praise him and give him a treat every time he has walked three or four steps without pulling.
How to leash train an adult dog
It is true that it is easier to leash train a puppy than an adult dog. Because puppies are smaller, they are easier to control physically. Adult dogs are not only physically stronger, they also have some bad habits to overcome.
The process of training an adult dog to walk beside you on a leash is the same as training a puppy. It can be physically more difficult due to the weight and strength of the dog, but you must maintain complete control throughout the training process.
A harness or soft leader can be helpful when training an older dog to use a lease. The harness will allow you to control the dog’s entire body instead of just its neck. If a dog pulls on the leash when he is on a soft leash, his head goes up. This is uncomfortable but not painful.
It is not a complicated process to train your dog on a leash. It takes time and patience, but you’ll be rewarded with a well-behaved dog that you can take anywhere.